Zimbabwe police arrest activist on charges of inciting violence

HARARE, JAN 16 — Evan Mawarire, an activist and pastor, was arrested by Zimbabwean police Wednesday from his home in the capital Harare.
The pastor launched #ThisFlag protest movement on social media, leading to his arrest on charges of inciting violence through Twitter and other forms of social media in the central business district, his lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa told journalists.
A witness told Xinhua that Mawarire’s home was raided by a group of armed police officers. In the present of his lawyers, Mawarire was taken to Harare Central Police Station.
In the past few days, Mawarire posted several videos in social media, calling for Zimbabweans to protest and shut down Zimbabwe over the fuel prices increases and the economic meltdown.
Zimbabwean minister of information, publicity and broadcasting services Monica Mutsvangwa said Tuesday that 3 people, including a police officer died in the protests.
She described the violent protests as an act of “terrorism,” adding that the past two days have been characterized by well-coordinated criminal behavior to destroy properties and unleash violence on innocent citizens.
On Wednesday Morning, Harare’s central streets remained empty as most people still stayed at home. Some supermarkets reopened with lots of soldiers patrolling around.
The internet access was recovered in Wednesday afternoon, after a 30-hour shut down. However, some users were still facing difficulties to access social media. – XINHUA